There are so many shows onNetflix, it can be hard to choose. But here are 20 of the best science fiction and fantasy shows that are currently streaming on Netflix. All shows are currently streaming in the US as of the date of this article. The choices are the author’s own and may differ from other’s preferences, but these are good choices to start with. The show descriptions come from IMDB.
What’s it about?Oliver Queen and his father are lost at sea when their luxury yacht sinks, apparently in a storm. His father dies, but Oliver survives for five years on an uncharted island and eventually returns home. But he wasn’t alone on the island where he learned not only how to fight and survive but also of his father’s corruption and unscrupulous business dealings. He returns to civilization a changed man, determined to put things right. He disguises himself with the hood of one of his mysterious island mentors, arms himself with a bow and sets about hunting down the men and women who have corrupted his city.
Why should you watch?For the longest time, the story was that Marvel won the movie war and DC won TV. Arrow was the show that launched the CW DC universe and without it, nothing else from the CW would have happened. Much like the MCU’s Iron Man, it is the foundation for the CW DC shows.
Avatar: The Last Airbender / The Legend of Korra
What’s it about?Avatar: The Last Airbender: The world is divided into four elemental nations: The Northern and Southern Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads. The Avatar upholds the balance between the nations, but everything changed when the Fire Nation invaded. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, can stop them. But when the world needs him most, he vanishes. A hundred years later Katara and Sokka discover the new Avatar, an airbender named Aang. Together they must help Aang master the elements and save the world.
The Legend of Korra: Taking place 70 years after the events of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” this story follows the adventures of the Avatar after Aang - a passionate, rebellious, and fearless teenage girl from the Southern Water Tribe named Korra. With three of the four elements under her belt (Earth, Water, and Fire), Korra seeks to master the final element, Air. Her quest leads her to the epicenter of the modern “Avatar” world, Republic City - a metropolis that is fueled by steampunk technology. It is a virtual melting pot where benders and non-benders from all nations live and thrive. However, Korra discovers that Republic City is plagued by crime as well as a growing anti-bending revolution that threatens to rip it apart. Under the tutelage of Aang’s son, Tenzin, Korra begins her airbending training while dealing with the dangers at large.
Why should you watch?This is a two-fer so you’re actually getting 21 shows in the article. Sorry. Not sorry. They’re bundled together because they tell one long story. Although there have been multiple attempts to reboot this show, the original is still the best version.
Jupiter’s Legacy
What’s it about?The first generation of superheroes kept the world safe for 90 years. Now the years are different, the world is changing and the enemies are getting stronger. It is time for the new generation of superheroes to accept the legacy of their fathers and to continue their work based on morality and justice.
Why should you watch?Although it was cancelled after only one season (and it was a very controversial cancellation)Jupiter’s Legacyis a show that deserves a second chance. The cast is rumored to be trying to find a new home for a second season, so catch up now for when they do.
Lost In Space
What’s it about?Set 30 years in the future, colonization in space is now a reality, and the Robinson family is among those tested and selected to make a new life for themselves in a better world. But when the new colonists find themselves abruptly torn off course en route to their new home they must forge new alliances and work together to survgive in a dangerous alien environment, light-years from their original destination. Stranded along with the Robinsons are two outsiders who find themselves thrown together by circumstance and a mutual knack for deception. The charismatic Dr. Smith is a master manipulator with an inscrutable end game. And the roguish, but charming Don West is a highly-skilled, blue collar contractor, who had no intention of joining the colony, let alone crash landing on a lost planet.
Why should you watch?There have been multiple attempts to reboot the cult classic, and this is the latest. But this is also the most faithful to the original. And it also has the blessing of the original Will Robinson, Bill Mumy.
Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD
What’s it about?After the Battle of New York, the world has changed. It now knows not only about the Avengers, but also the powerful menaces that require those superheroes and more to face them. In response, Phil Coulson of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division assembles an elite covert team to find and deal with these threats wherever they are found. With a world rapidly becoming more bizarre and dangerous than ever before as the supervillains arise, these agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. are ready to take them on.
Why should you watch?It took a bit to find its footing, butAgents of SHIELDis a well written story. Although in the beginning it ties into the MCU (with Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury making several appearances in season 1) it quickly breaks off and does its own thing. And that is when the show really shines. Plus, there is a wonderful appearance from Stan Lee in season 1.
Marvel’s Daredevil
What’s it about?As a child Matt Murdock was blinded by a chemical spill in a freak accident. Instead of limiting him it gave him superhuman senses that enabled him to see the world in a unique and powerful way. Now he uses these powers to deliver justice, not only as a lawyer in his own law firm, but also as vigilante at night, stalking the streets of Hell’s Kitchen as Daredevil, the man without fear.
Why should you watch?As stated before, it had long been said that Marvel won with movies and DC won with TV. Daredevil is where that began to change. A gritty story, Daredevil doesn’t try to do too much. And although he doesn’t have the pure size you would expect for the Kingpin, Vincent D’Onofrio brings such a presence to Wilson Fisk that you just want to see more!
Marvel’s Jessica Jones
What’s it about?Ever since her short-lived stint as a superhero ended in tragedy, Jessica Jones has been rebuilding her personal life and career as a hot-tempered, sardonic private detective in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City. Plagued by self-loathing and a wicked case of PTSD, Jessica battles demons from within and without, using her extraordinary abilities as an unlikely champion for those in need. Especially if they’re willing to cut her a check.
Why should you watch?Jessica Jones has one of the most intriguing villains in all of the MCU in Kilgrave played brilliantly (and creepily) by David Tenant.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
What’s it about?When the Angels start attacking the planet Earth in the year 2015, only a handful of 14-year-old EVA pilots are able to stop them. Young Shinji Ikari suddenly finds himself forced to pilot EVA-01, a giant organic mecha, designed and constructed by NERV, that is the only thing that can stop the Angels.
Why should you watch?Neon Genesis Evangelion is considered THE anime to watch by many anime fans. It is a fun yet serious story and the characters are well written.
What’s it about?Follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world in which her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate relationship is ignited that tears Claire’s heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
Why should you watch?Scotsmen, romance, time travel. This show has something for everyone. Also renewed for at least one more season beyond the one currently filming so there is plenty more story coming.
Shadow and Bone
What’s it about?In a world where dark forces have taken over, a young mapmaker, Alina Starkov, accidentally discovers that she has the power to change the fate of the war. She is the only one who has the power to summon light and this will make her play a key role in this war.
Why should you watch?Shadow and Bonewas highly anticipated and the show did not disappoint when it premiered. It was quickly renewed for a second season so the story will continue to undold.
